Short Fiction · Chapter
The Chair of Philanthromathematics explained
Jeff Peters recounts his and Andy Tucker's venture into philanthropy after making $25,000 from a silver mine.
What happens
Jeff Peters recounts his and Andy Tucker's venture into philanthropy after making $25,000 from a silver mine. They establish a free university in Floresville, Arizona, hiring professors and attracting students. The scheme proves profitable, and they ultimately split $31,000 each, revealing that the entire enterprise was a graft. Andy reveals that the mysterious Professor McCorkle was actually the faro dealer they had been working with.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it captures the precise moment the protagonist’s humor shifts f…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The university is a front for a con; the philanthropic appearance masks a profit-making scheme.
- Ambition and Failure
The mine owner's failed mansion becomes the site of the university; the scheme ultimately succeeds as a graft, not genuine education.
- Humor and Irony
The irony of 'philanthropy' as a business; the absurdity of the university's curriculum and the professors' qualifications.
Characters to notice
- Jeff Peters
Narrator and co-founder of the World's University; recounts the philanthropic scheme.
- Andy Donovan
Co-founder of the World's University; lectures on irrigation and modern music; reveals the faro dealer as Professor McCorkle.
- Unknown Narrator
The listener to whom Jeff tells the story; interjects with questions.
Key passages
“I see that the cause of Education has received the princely gift of more than fifty millions of dollars”
I notice that education has been given a huge donation of over fifty million dollars.
Opening line that prompts Jeff's story about their own philanthropic venture.
“When a man swindles the public out of a certain amount he begins to get scared and wants to return part of it.”
After cheating people out of money, a person often becomes frightened and tries to give some back.
Jeff's cynical observation on the psychology of grafters turning to philanthropy.
“Are you convinced now that philanthropy when practiced in a business way is an art that blesses him who gives as well as him who receives?”
Do you now believe that running philanthropy like a business benefits both the giver and the receiver?
Andy's ironic justification of their scheme after splitting the profits.
